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CIEE Ecology + Sustainability in Cape Town, South Africa (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: Cape Town, South Africa
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2027 10/01/2026
10/01/2026 01/26/2027 06/14/2027
Fall 2027 04/01/2027 04/01/2027 07/17/2027 11/22/2027
Spring 2028 10/01/2027 10/01/2027 01/26/2028 06/14/2028

Indicates that deadline has passed
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction: English Minimum GPA: 3.0
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Ecology + Sustainability

Cape Town, South Africa

Visit CIEE's Program Page

 

Program Overview

Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Cape Town lasts a full semester and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, political, and social contexts of environmental sustainability in Cape Town. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Cape Town!

Unique Experiences

Experience a coastal foraging hike

near Duiker Island, a marine protected area, to learn about rare marine species and sustainable harvesting

Explore the Leslie Hill Molecular Ecology Laboratory

where genetic and ecological approaches are used to investigate and catalogue biodiversity

Immerse yourself in the unique seabird life

at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds and learn about cutting-edge conservation efforts

Learn More About Cape Town

Your Destination

Cape Town is South Africa's eco-conscious city, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and commitment to sustainability. From Table Mountain to the Cape Peninsula and V&A Waterfront, nature and urban living blend seamlessly. With a Mediterranean climate, rich biodiversity, and innovative sustainability efforts, Cape Town offers an inspiring setting for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, marine biology, business, liberal arts, or African studies, Cape Town is the perfect place to study abroad.

hssa cape town student on mountain

Housing

CIEE Cape Town offers comfortable housing conveniently accessible to the study center, public transportation, shops, and other amenities. All rooms are fully furnished, offer a full kitchen, and feature complimentary Wi-Fi access. CIEE supplies cutlery, crockery, and bed linens, but students must bring their own towels. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers and local South African students in a variety of communal areas. They may also appreciate the quiet spaces that allow them to study on their own or work on tasks in a group.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.  
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.  
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.  
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Cape Town will open doors for you to explore South Africa's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Join eco-friendly kayaking and snorkeling tours along Cape Town's coastlines to explore the vibrant marine life and learn about conservation and sustainability practices 
  • Learn about sustainable urban farming techniques at community gardens and urban farms across the city, including permaculture and organic gardening 
  • Explore Cape Town's eco-friendly trails and cycling routes, including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the Sea Point Promenade, while connecting with nature

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

cape-town-students-planting-treesstudents take photos of each other abroad cape town

Academics

CIEE Cape Town: Study in the vibrant student-friendly suburb of Rondebosch near central Cape Town. CIEE Cape Town boasts two main classrooms, a small meeting room, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

University of Cape Town (UCT): Established as South African College in 1829, UCT is internationally recognized as the top-ranked African research university. In 2025, UCT ranked 150th in the world (QS rankings). The UCT campus has beautiful grounds and attractive facilities which include a range of commercial, medical, recreational, and sporting facilities.  

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

The work culture in Cape Town is laid-back yet professional, emphasizing work-life balance, creativity, and innovation. Interns can expect to work with local NGOs, startups, or established businesses.

Industry options include:

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Information Technology

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

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